To say that South Africa is unique is an understatement. There are so many fascinating things about this country, even going beyond what most people already know about it. For example, did you know that South Africa has three capital cities? It's the largest meat producer in the world too. Not to mention considered the “cradle of humankind,” as well. Did you also know that this country has the longest wine route and is home to the world’s oldest mountain too? Though South Africa's culture and history are exciting to learn about, it's also worth knowing these unique things about the country. They'll make you see this place in a new light.
The Only Country with Three Capital Cities
Did you know that South Africa has three capital cities? While all the other countries only have one, the “Rainbow Nation” gets to have three! There's Cape Town, which is the legislative capital, Pretoria, the administrative capital, and Bloemfontein serves as the judicial capital. Every year, the parliament spends six months in Cape Town and the next six months in Pretoria. And weirdly enough, while the official presidential office is in the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official home of the head-of-state is in the Genadendal Residence in Cape Town. Talk about a long commute to work, right?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The World's Highest Bungee Jump
Yep, you read that right! On the border between the Western and Eastern Capes, you'll find the Tsitsikamma National Park. It's here where Bloukrans Bridge stands, which offers up such amazing views of the natural wonders in the park. It's also where you can bungee jump 216 meters down below, making for quite the adrenaline rush indeed. Thrill-seekers will have a field day going on this incredible feature. Clearly, it's not the faint of heart! But the views from this bridge, whether you're jumping or not, are absolutely spectacular! They're worth visiting the place!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Longest Wine Route on The Planet
If you thought the
vineyards in Italy were the best on the planet, you probably haven't seen the ones in South Africa. Not only can the vineyards in the Cape Wineland region give those in Europe a run for their money, but they also make up the longest wine route on the planet! Route 62 spans a whopping 850 kilometers of pure, largely untouched vineyards. Not even a day is enough to pass through the entire route. You'll have to rent a room in one of the vineyards here before you can go to the rest!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Oldest Mountain on Earth
Did you know that the oldest mountain on Earth is located in South Africa? Located in Cape Town, 'Table Mountain' is widely believed to be the oldest of its kind. It's approximately 260 million years old and serves as the home to diverse ecosystems, particularly exotic flora that are unique to Cape Town. And of course, Table Mountain is also included in the 7 New Natural Wonders of The World. It joins the ranks of South Korea's Jeju Island, Brazil's Amazon Forest, and the Philippines's Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Quite extraordinary, right?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-SA-4.0/ Photograph by Mike Peel
The Cradle of Humankind
Speaking of the oldest in the world, South Africa is also home to the 'Cradle of Humankind,' the site where archaeologists unearthed the earliest signs of human life and evolution. Located northwest of Johannesburg, the fossils excavated here, specifically the human remains, are said to be over two million years old. They're older than any other of its kind found in other places on the planet. And thus, the place received its current moniker and has become a popular tourist attraction and research site for other archaeologists. It's also a
UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Olga Ernst
You'd be surprised at some of the most unique things about South Africa. They range from the oldest mountain in the world to having more than one capital city. The country is already a great destination but these fun facts might just make you even more excited about coming here!
